I. ˈwȯn-t ə n, ˈwän- adjective
Etymology: Middle English, from wan- deficient, wrong, mis- (from Old English, from wan deficient) + towen, past participle of teen to draw, train, discipline, from Old English tēon — more at tow
Date: 14th century
1.
a. archaic : hard to control : undisciplined, unruly
b. : playfully mean or cruel : mischievous
2.
a. : lewd , bawdy
b. : causing sexual excitement : lustful , sensual
3.
a. : merciless , inhumane
wanton cruelty
b. : having no just foundation or provocation : malicious
a wanton attack
4. : being without check or limitation: as
a. : luxuriantly rank
wanton vegetation
b. : unduly lavish : extravagant
wanton imagination
• wan·ton·ly adverb
• wan·ton·ness -t ə n-nəs noun
II. noun
Date: 1509
1.
a. : one given to self-indulgent flirtation or trifling — used especially in the phrase play the wanton
b. : a lewd or lascivious person
2. : a pampered person or animal : pet ; especially : a spoiled child
3. : a frolicsome child or animal
III. verb
Date: 1582
intransitive verb
: to be wanton or act wantonly
transitive verb
: to pass or waste wantonly or in wantonness
• wan·ton·er noun